Fleetwood Town V Morecambe at Highbury Stadium : Match Preview

23 December 2012 03:01

Fleetwood manager Graham Alexander hopes his squad will be in prime condition for the trip to neighbours Morecambe despite Saturday's postponement at Oxford.

Heavy rain left the Kassam Stadium pitch waterlogged and Alexander's squad at a loose end before he arranged a training session at short notice in Stoke.

He told the Cod Army's official website: "We did all our preparations as normal and then heard at the hotel about the pitch inspection. Naturally, we are disappointed but a lot of games have been affected. However, we made the most of the setback thanks to Stoke City who allowed us use of their training facilities on the way back north.

"There is a lot of frustration and adrenaline that needs to be burnt off at times like this and we wanted the lads to get it out. We had just over an hour's activity with a lot of sweat and a bit of football because a Saturday without football is a poor day for a pro and it filled the day a bit. The lads trained really well.

"A plus is that we don't have any extra injury worries ahead of a busy schedule and it has given us an extra bit of time to prepare. We have a big responsibility to do everything right over the Christmas period."

Alexander's remaining injury absentees as he chases a first win in charge are veteran duo Barry Ferguson (groin) and Jon Parkin (hamstring).

Defenders Youl Mawene and Anthony Barry have returned to training following respective foot and knee problems but are not yet ready for match action.

Jim Bentley hopes to reap the benefits of a weekend postponement when his Morecambe side travel to face their neighbours.

The Globe Arena pitch failed an 11am pitch inspection following heavy rain on Saturday, putting paid to the scheduled npower League Two clash against Dagenham.

But Bentley was happy to take the positive of defensive duo Nick Fenton and Jordan Mustoe and top scorer Kevin Ellison being allowed to return to full fitness ahead of the busy festive period.

He told the Shrimps' official website: "You want to play all the time and we're on a decent run at home but we've had a quite a few niggles in the camp over the last week.".

"Kevin Ellison has been unwell and Nick Fenton and Jordan Mustoe are nursing knocks from the Oxford game.

"They'd all have been fit to play Dagenham but it gives them an extra couple of days to recover."